Obituaries

Ryan Jerome Henderson, 47, passed away on April 19, 2026. Services will be Wednesday, April 29, 2026 beginning with visitation at 9 am and funeral service to follow at 11 am at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive. Interment will be in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.

Ryan was born on June 29, 1976, in Louisville, Kentucky, and from the very beginning, he brought energy, warmth, and kindness to those around him. Ryan was adopted as a baby, the second of three children of Earl Jerome Henderson and Ella Alcyon Henderson. Ryan grew up in the Douglas Hill community, where his love for baseball and natural athleticism stood out early on.

A proud graduate of Louisville Manual High School, Ryan continued his journey at Murray State University before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. His service took him overseas to Korea as a Postal Specialist, and later to San Antonio, Texas, where he earned the rank of Airman First Class. Ryan carried the discipline and pride of his military service with him throughout his life.

Back home, Ryan built a career in the service industry, where his kindness, humor, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. But he never lost sight of a deeply personal goal—to complete his college education.  He made a promise to his father, Jerome, that he would go back to school and finish his degree. With determination and love for his children as his motivation, he returned to school at the University of Louisville, completing all requirements for his Bachelor of Arts in Social Services. He will be honored as a member of the Class of 2026—a milestone that reflects his perseverance and serves as an enduring example to his family.

Ryan lived his life with passion and joy. He was a devoted fan of University of Louisville athletics and could often be found tailgating at football games, sharing laughter and memories with his father, Jerome, and his brother, Rodney among other family and friends. His admiration for Lamar Jackson made him a proud Baltimore Ravens fan—much to the playful frustration of his Steelers-loving family.

Music was another of Ryan’s great loves. Influenced by his brother Rodney, he became a lifelong fan of Prince and hip-hop, always ready with a song, a memory, or a dance that brought people together. Above all, Ryan treasured his family. Whether at gatherings, celebrations, or quiet moments, he showed up with love, humor, and an open heart. He was raised in New Zion Baptist Church, where his faith and community helped shape the man he became. After joining, he attended Sunday School and sang in the Pastor’s Choir.

Ryan leaves to celebrate his life and carry forward his spirit: his wife, Dana; his mother, Ella; his children, Lorenzo Guzman, Alyssa Jefferson (Treyvon), Ciara Henderson, and Ella Grace Henderson; his cherished grandson, Marcellus Lamar Jefferson;  his brothers, Rodney Henderson(Alicia), Jermaine Sutton, Jr., Jeremy Sutton, Walter Patterson; his sisters, Alicia Henderson, Danielle Brooks; his niece, Alcyon Henderson; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.